Most of us have been told that we should call the police after a car crash, which many assume is simply for insurance purposes. While a police report can be beneficial for your insurance claim, you should note that state law does actually require you to call the cops after most crashes. Even if you do not meet the standards for reporting a collision to the cops, it can still be beneficial to call them. A San Angelo, Texas car accident lawyer from our firm can tell you why.
What Should I Do After a Car Crash?
The immediate aftermath of a car crash in Tom Green County can be incredibly overwhelming and stressful. It’s critical to remain calm and prioritize your health and safety in these matters.
How Do I Protect Myself Following a Collision?
- Move the cars somewhere safe, if possible, in accordance with Texas DOT guidance
- Take pictures of any injuries, vehicle damage, and the crash scene
- Exchange insurance info with the other drivers involved
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact info
- Avoid small talk or making statements that could be perceived as admitting fault (apologizing, saying you’re fine)
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you suffered injuries
- Refrain from speaking to the other party’s insurer until you have obtained legal representation
What Does Texas Law Require After a Car Crash?
Following a car crash, the negligent driver may ask to avoid calling the police, even offering to handle the damages out-of-pocket. However, it is critical to understand that reporting the collision to the police is required in most instances.
Mandatory Reporting Requirement
Texas Transportation Code §§550.021–550.026 requires that accidents be reported to the police if any of the following are present:
- Death
- Injury
- Damage to property exceeding $1,000
- A vehicle that cannot be safely removed from the scene
Why You Should Still Call for “Minor” Accidents
It’s strongly recommended to contact the police, even if you believe that no injuries are present or the damage to the vehicle seems minor. This is because it can be tough to figure out exactly how much damage a collision caused.
Another issue is that many people do not realize that they are injured in the immediate aftermath of a collision. This is a stressful situation, and there’s adrenaline pumping through your system, meaning you may not know you have an injury until days have passed. This is because injuries like concussions, whiplash, or internal injuries may not immediately present themselves.
Additionally, having a police presence at the scene of a crash can help manage traffic to prevent further injury or damage, while also ensuring that a formal report of the collision has been filed.
Why Is a Police Report So Important?
Obtaining a police report following a collision is not only required by Texas law, but it also has a number of benefits that can help you fight for justice if you’ve sustained injuries.
What Information Is Included in a Report?
Generally, there is a considerable amount of information included in a police report, including:
- The time, date, and location of the collision
- Weather conditions at the time of the crash
- Statements from the drivers involved
- Damage to vehicles
- Officer observations
- A diagram of the collision
How Can This Help My Claim?
Having a police report can be incredibly beneficial for your claim, as the information in the report can:
- Establish facts
- Support proof of fault
- Provide documentation of injuries
- Help in the event that the other party changes their story
- Serves as official documentation of the collision
What If I Didn’t Call the Police at the Scene?
If you did not call the police at the scene of the collision, it’s important to understand that you are still able to file a report in San Angelo. As such, you should file a CR-2 report and mail it to the Texas DOT Crash Reports Department.
Additionally, you should still seek medical treatment following a crash, even if the police did not respond to the scene. Doing so can help strengthen your claim, especially if the incident was not reported at the time of the collision.
Can I Sue For Damages After a Crash?
If you are injured and you believe that the other driver is to blame, then you can sue for compensation.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Statute of Limitations
If you wish to file a claim against a negligent party, it’s important to do so in a timely manner. Under the Texas Statute of Limitations, you will have two years from the date on which the collision occurred to bring a claim against another person.
Contact Our Legal Team
If you were hurt in a car crash in Tom Green County and wish to seek compensation for the damages you’ve suffered, the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC, is ready to fight for you. We can schedule a consultation to examine the details of your case. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options if you or a loved one has suffered.
